Army /airforce/Navy preparation -For class tenth -

🧭 How to Shape Your Career While Studying in Tenth – Complete Guide to NDA Exam

written & compiled by - ved kumar

If you are studying in Class 10 and dream of serving the nation by joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, then the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is the perfect gateway for you. This blog provides complete NDA information — from eligibility, form fees, exam pattern, physical criteria, training, degree, posting, and benefits — so you can start your journey early.


🪖 1. What is NDA Exam?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) located at Khadakwasla, Pune is a tri-service training institute for cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts the NDA exam twice every year — NDA-I and NDA-II.

🎓 2. Eligibility Criteria

Criteria Details
Nationality Citizen of India
Gender Male & Female (Both Eligible)
Marital Status Unmarried Only
Educational Qualification
  • Army Wing: Passed/appearing in Class 12 (any stream).
  • Navy & Air Force: Passed/appearing in Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
Note: 12th appearing students can apply but must pass Class 12 before joining NDA.

📅 3. Important Dates (Tentative for 2026)

Event NDA-I NDA-II
Application Start DateDecember 2025May 2026
Last Date to ApplyJanuary 2026June 2026
Exam DateApril 2026September 2026
Result DeclarationMay 2026November 2026

💰 4. NDA Exam Application Fees

CategoryFees
General / OBC / EWS₹100/-
SC / ST / Female CandidatesNo Fees (Exempted)

🧍‍♂️ 5. Age Limit

Minimum Age: 16.5 years — Maximum Age: 19.5 years. No relaxation.

Example: For NDA (I) 2026, candidates born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010 are eligible.

💪 6. Physical Standards (Height, Weight, Chest)

A. Minimum Height Requirements

CategoryArmyNavyAir Force
General Candidates157 cm157 cm162.5 cm
Gorkhas / NE States / Hills152 cm152 cm160 cm
Lakshadweep155 cm155 cm160 cm
SC/STSame as GeneralSameSame

B. Weight (Approx. for Age 17–18)

Height (cm)Weight (kg)
15242–45
15745–48
16046–50
16550–54
17052–57

C. Chest

  • Minimum expansion: 5 cm
  • Normal chest (after expansion): 81–86 cm
  • No chest deformity allowed.

🧠 7. NDA Exam Pattern (2026)

PaperSubjectDurationMarks
Paper 1Mathematics2.5 Hours300
Paper 2General Ability Test (English + GK)2.5 Hours600
Total Written Exam Marks900
SSB Interview900
Grand Total1800

Mode: Offline (Pen-paper OMR) · Type: Objective (MCQ) · Negative Marking: -0.33 per wrong answer · Language: English & Hindi

⚔️ 8. Selection Process

  1. Written Examination (UPSC NDA)
  2. SSB Interview (5 Days)
  3. Medical Examination
  4. Final Merit List

🎖️ 9. Training & Degree

AcademyTraining DurationLocation
NDA3 YearsKhadakwasla, Pune
IMA (Army)1 YearDehradun
INA (Navy)1.5 YearsEzhimala, Kerala
AFA (Air Force)1.5 YearsDundigal, Hyderabad

Total Training: ~4 to 4.5 years depending on branch. Degrees awarded by JNU (B.Sc / B.Tech depending on stream).

📍 10. Posting & Branch Allocation

Branch allocation depends on overall merit (written+SSB), medical fitness, educational background, preferences and vacancies. After training:

  • Army → IMA → Lieutenant
  • Navy → INA → Sub-Lieutenant
  • Air Force → AFA → Flying Officer

🩺 11. Tattoo Policy

  • Tattoos allowed only on inner forearm and back of hand.
  • Tribal/religious tattoos may be accepted if traditional.
  • No tattoos on face, neck, or other visible parts.

💸 12. Benefits

  • Free degree (B.Sc/B.Tech via JNU) and training.
  • Monthly stipend during training (approx. ₹56,100).
  • Free accommodation, food, uniforms and medical care.
  • Permanent commission, pension & prestige.

📝 13. Documents Required

  • 10th certificate (DOB proof)
  • 12th details (mark as "Appearing" if result pending)
  • Passport-size photograph, signature, valid ID

Author’s Note: For official updates visit UPSC.

Start preparing now — a future officer begins today! 🇮🇳

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